Because of financial difficulties, he had to start working in construction at the age of sixteen, and later in a factory for air conditioning.
He left for the U.S. to work, and encouraged by his friends he sang in various cafés and bars.
In 2011 Ștefan joined the pre-selection for Voice of Romania, where he was mentored by Smiley.
During the competition he was noted by his voice "baritone, rough and slightly throaty", and on December 26 was named overall winner of the show.
For winning Ștefan received $100,000 and a management contract with Universal Music Romania.